The Bully Problem

Bullying is a problem.  Today I was on the phone with a family member who is experiencing bullying in her workplace.  She stayed home today because she was afraid to go to work and possibly have to see her boss, the bully.  When I was talking to her about staying home, I was also thinking about driving over to her place of work and giving that lady a piece of my mind.  What happened to the people who see these things happening and stand up for what is right and good?  What is wrong with this bully that she thinks it is ok to treat other people so terribly?  What happened to these people that makes them a bully?

I am a strong believer in the words of Lord Acton, a British Historian, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."  Some great men are able to avoid this terrible fate, but some people cannot help themselves.  I believe this woman, The Bully, is a product of this power struggle.  Unfortunately for my family member, it is less of a struggle and more of an embrace.  There are so many initiatives in place to combat bullying in schools for students, but what about adult bullying in the workplace?  Adult bullying initiatives are called Grievances.  I will let you know later if Grievances work.  Since filing a Grievance, my family member has experienced even more bullying and intimidation.  She is afraid to go to work and is trying to be discredited when she is actually being placed to fail.

If any of you went to elementary school with me you will recall that I was not the bully, but I was the defender of the weak.  If you picked on a kid, I was looking for any opportunity to fight.  Ok, so maybe a fight finder isn't much better than a bully, but my intentions were to defend the people who didn't or couldn't defend themselves.  I haven't changed much.  During prayers this evening I prayed for Chloe to be a defender of her friends who need her.  The playground can be a difficult place.  I wish there was someone on my family member's playground who would take up for her.

This leads me to the obvious answer of God.  I know God could intervene at any time and I'm not sure why he has not done so.  In which case, I believe a Grievance was the best plan of action.  I was thinking more along the lines of slashed tires and broken windows, but the Bible says(via biblegateway.com):

Romans 12:19

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

I always have to remind myself of this verse and most especially when it is happening to the people I love the most.   Be mindful of the people around you who need defending and build them up.  Also, do not entertain a bully.  Speak out, get help and be reminded that you are worth it even if they try to convince you otherwise.

Is it wrong to pray, "God, may their tires be slashed and their windows broken."?  YES!!  I am thankful for God's forgiveness. (Day14).  Goodnight Friends.